Beer is often associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, but drinking beer in moderation can have some surprising health benefits. Modern research has found that beer has more protein and B vitamins than wine, as well as healthy antioxidants. Beer also has a lower risk of kidney stones when compared to sugary non-alcoholic drinks.

The healthiest beers are typically light beers, which are lower in calories, alcohol, and carbohydrates. However, many people find that light beers also tend to be lighter in flavour. When choosing a healthy beer, it is important to consider not only the calorie content but also the serving size.

Some examples of healthy beers include:

- Budweiser Select 55

- Miller 64

- Beck’s Premier Light

- Corona Premier

- Yuengling Light Lager

- Guinness Draught Stout

- Lagunitas DayTime IPA

Characteristics of Healthy Beers

Lower alcohol content

While beer is no superfood, drinking it in moderation can be part of a healthy lifestyle. The lower the alcohol content, the better, as this helps to mitigate the negative health impacts associated with alcohol consumption. Beer typically has an alcohol content ranging from 4% to 7% ABV, but it is ideal to opt for beers with less than 5% ABV.

Low-alcohol beers have fewer alcohol units than their regular counterparts, making it easier to stay within recommended drinking guidelines. They also have less impact on blood alcohol concentration, making them a better option for designated drivers.

Recent innovations in low-alcohol beer have resulted in products that retain the flavour and health benefits of traditional craft beer while reducing the negative effects of excess alcohol and calories. These beers are often modelled on traditional craft beer production methods, which involve less heat and may help to preserve more of the beer's natural polyphenol content.

Some examples of low-alcohol beers include:

• Anchor Little Weekend Golden Ale (3.7% ABV)
• Bell’s Light Hearted Ale (3.7% ABV)
• Goose Island Brewing Co. So-Lo IPA (3% ABV)
• Budweiser Select 55 (2.4% ABV)
• Corona Premier (4% ABV)
• Heineken Light (3.3% ABV)

In addition to lower alcohol content, it is also worth considering the calorie count, carbohydrate content, and sugar content when choosing a healthier beer.

Fewer calories

When it comes to calories, beer usually has a fair share. The number of calories in a beer depends on its alcohol content. The higher the alcohol content, the more calories the beer will contain. For example, a 12-ounce can of beer with a 4% alcohol content will reportedly contain 153 calories. However, some high-alcohol beers and craft beers can contain up to 350 calories per serving.

If you're looking for a low-calorie beer, here are some options to consider:

Light Lagers

Light lagers tend to have fewer calories and carbohydrates than regular lagers. For example, Bud Light has 110 calories per 12-ounce serving, while Coors Light has 102 calories. These beers are also usually more affordable and widely available than other low-calorie options.

Pale Lagers

Pale lagers are a relatively new addition to the low-calorie beer scene. They are similar to light lagers in terms of appearance and taste but differ in the way they are brewed. Pale lagers increase carbonation while also featuring a pale colour and light body. They typically have 130-140 calories per 12-ounce serving.

Pilsners

Pilsners are a type of lager that tends to be light-bodied, refreshing, and have a crisp finish. They usually have 65-95 calories per 12 ounces, making them a good low-calorie option.

Dry Stout or Irish Stout

Dry stouts are generally lower in calories compared to other beers. Guinness Draught, for example, has only 126 calories per 350ml serving. They have a dark and creamy flavour, relying on lactose or oatmeal for their unique taste.

Wheat Beers

Wheat beers tend to be lighter and less bitter than traditional beers, and they also have a lower alcohol content. They are brewed with 30% wheat or more, and can be either clear or cloudy in appearance. Wheat beers typically have 100-120 calories per 12-ounce serving.

Blonde Ale or Golden Ale

Blonde ales are light and easy to drink, making them a great low-calorie option. They typically have 95-125 calories per 12-ounce serving and feature a smooth taste that can include fruits or spices.

Sour Beer

Sour beers are a bit of a wildcard when it comes to calories, as they can vary widely depending on the specific beer. However, some sour beers can be a lower-calorie option, with some having as few as 10 calories per serving.

Saison

Saisons tend to range from 150-170 calories per 12-ounce serving. They are light and effervescent, with a lower alcohol content than other types of beer.

Kölsch

Kölsch is a hybrid beer that combines elements of both lagers and ales. It is a unique and refreshing option, with around 120 calories per 12-ounce serving.

Lambic or American Spontaneous Beer

Lambic beers, also known as American Spontaneous beers, are full of flavour but low in calories. They have a complex flavour profile that includes notes of funk, barnyard, and citrus. They typically have around 140 calories per 12-ounce serving.

Zero-Proof Beer

Zero-proof beers are a new trend in the low-calorie beer space. While most non-alcoholic beers still contain a small amount of alcohol, zero-proof beers are distilled to remove all alcohol content. This results in a significantly lower calorie count, with around 70 calories per serving.

Session IPA

Session IPAs have a lower alcohol content and fewer calories than traditional IPAs, making them a good option if you want to enjoy more than one pint. They still have all the hop character and flavour of a regular IPA, but with less alcohol and calories.

Fewer carbs

Beer is made by fermenting grains such as barley and wheat, which naturally contain carbohydrates. Added sugars can also increase the carb level in the final beverage. The number of grains and added sugars that remain in the beer depends on the fermentation process.

Low-carb beers generally have less than 1g of carbs per 100ml. Light beers are often lower in both calories and carbohydrates than many full-flavoured counterparts.

• Budweiser Select 55: With only 1.9g of carbs per 12oz serving, this is one of the lowest-carb beers available. It has a subtle aroma of toasted malt and hops, and is lower in calories and alcohol content than a regular beer.
• Corona Premier: This beer has 2.6g of carbs per 12oz serving, fewer than Corona Light which has 4.7g. It's a classic choice for a beach day, especially with a squeeze of lime.
• Miller Lite/Miller 64: Miller Lite is an affordable, easy-drinking, original light beer with 3.2g of carbs per 12oz serving. Miller 64 is another low-carb option from Miller, with just 2g of carbs per can.
• Michelob Ultra/Michelob Ultra Pure Gold: Michelob Ultra is a popular, easy-to-find, low-cal, low-carb option with around 3g of carbs per serving. Michelob Ultra Pure Gold is USDA-certified organic, with no artificial colours or flavours, and only 2.5g of carbs per bottle.
• Yuengling Flight: A little fuller-bodied than other low-carb options, with 2.6g of carbs per serving.
• Beck's Premier Light: With 3.9g of carbs and a low alcohol content of 2.3% ABV, this is a good option if you want to sip a few beers without getting too intoxicated.
• Shiner Ruby Redbird: A seasonal craft beer made with Texas grapefruit and ginger, with 4.6g of carbs per 12oz serving.
• Surly Brewing Co. Rosé: This beer gets its pink colour from the addition of currants and strawberries during the brewing process. It has 2.25g of carbs per 12oz serving and an ABV of 5.2%.
• Lagunitas DayTime: This IPA is perfect for hot weather, with fruity flavours and a low ABV of 4%. It has 3g of carbs per 12oz serving.
• Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty: A low-cal IPA with notes of pineapple, coconut and citrus, and a tropical twist. It has 3.6g of carbs per can.
• Blue Moon LightSky: A hazy wheat beer brewed with tangerine peel, with 3.6g of carbs per 12oz serving and an ABV of 4%.

Antioxidants

Beer is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, and it contains several antioxidants, which are compounds that fight free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic conditions and certain forms of cancer. The main types of antioxidants in beer are phenols and melanoidins, which are formed during the brewing process. Phenols are further divided into polyphenols, which include flavonoids.

The darker the beer, the more antioxidants it tends to have. Beers with higher levels of roasted malt also tend to have more antioxidants. The phenolic acids ferulic, gallic, and syringic are among the most abundant phenolic compounds in beer.

The antioxidant activity of beer is also influenced by the variety of barley, the malting process, temperature and pH during mashing, sparging, boiling, the variety of hops used, and yeast fermentation.

The addition of certain foods during the fermentation process can also increase the antioxidant activity of beer. For example, a study found that beers produced with the addition of walnut, chestnut, cocoa, green tea, coffee, honey, or licorice during the fermentation process had higher total polyphenols and flavonoids content and higher antioxidant activity than conventional beers.

The health benefits of the antioxidants in beer include:

• Lower risk of heart disease
• Improved blood sugar levels
• Increased bone strength
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
• Lower blood pressure
• Improved gut microbiota

Non-alcoholic

The Health Benefits

In addition, non-alcoholic beers contain polyphenols, which are believed to have several health benefits, such as supporting circulation, reducing blood pressure, and lowering inflammation. A study by Scherr et al. (2012) found that non-alcoholic beer reduced inflammation and the incidence of respiratory tract illness in healthy male marathon runners. Another study by Macías-Rodríguez et al. (2020) showed that non-alcoholic beer improved endothelial function in patients with non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

The Potential Risks

One potential risk of non-alcoholic beer is that it may still contain small amounts of alcohol. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires products marketed as alcohol-free to contain 0.0% ABV, other non-alcoholic beers can contain up to 0.5% ABV. This means that consuming large amounts of non-alcoholic beer could result in a significant alcohol intake, especially for those with liver impairments, who may develop higher blood alcohol levels.

Another concern is that non-alcoholic beer may trigger cravings and relapse in individuals with alcohol use disorder. The smell of beer, even without the alcohol content, can be enough to trigger a relapse. Additionally, non-alcoholic beers often contain extra sugar, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.

Recommendations

While non-alcoholic beer can be a healthier alternative to regular beer, it is important to consume it in moderation and be aware of the potential risks. It is also essential to read the labels and check the alcohol content, especially for pregnant individuals or those with a history of alcohol dependency.

Frequently asked questions